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architecture and design magazineSun, 02 Aug 2015 21:49:42 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2SAM and Map create Internet of Things toolkit for building connected productshttp://www.dezeen.com/2015/07/16/sam-map-internet-of-things-toolkit-building-connected-products/
http://www.dezeen.com/2015/07/16/sam-map-internet-of-things-toolkit-building-connected-products/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 08:05:58 +0000http://admin.dezeen.com/?p=736766Barber and Osgerby's creative consultancy Map and technology company SAM have designed a kit of "building blocks" aimed at simplifying the creation of internet-connected products (+ slideshow). SAM's Internet of Things toolkit is made up of a series of bluetooth-enabled modules that connect via an app or a cloud storage system. The Internet of Things […]

]]>Barber and Osgerby's creative consultancy Map and technology company SAM have designed a kit of "building blocks" aimed at simplifying the creation of internet-connected products (+ slideshow).

SAM's Internet of Things toolkit is made up of a series of bluetooth-enabled modules that connect via an app or a cloud storage system.

A selection of SAM sensor and actor "building blocks" and the SAM software

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe a group of electronic objects that can exchange data with each other and their users via the internet. Examples include connected home products like thermostats or a smart lock that uses a phone app instead of keys.

The kit produced by SAM is designed to enable those without previous coding experience to create products and systems that work in this way.

The SAM Internet of Things toolkits

"There was no really easy way to create a product, an app, or a piece of art using electronics and coding," SAM CEO Joachim Horn told Dezeen.

"I thought this was crazy as it basically meant cutting off the majority of the designers who haven't had the luxury to have a technical education."

Some SAM "building blocks" and the SAM software

SAM and Map worked together to design both the physical modules, which they refer to as "building blocks", and the digital software that come as part of the kit.

The modules are divided into sensors and actors. The sensors are responsible for input – buttons, pressure sensors, thermometers, etc. – and the actors provide outputs such as lights, buzzers and motors.

The SAM interface

Data captured by the sensors is transferred via bluetooth to the software, which reads and interprets the information. The software then sends the resulting instructions to the actors, which perform their various tasks accordingly.

Examples of projects created with SAM's technology include a skirt that automatically rotates at the speed of the dancer that wears it – made by pairing pressure sensors in the shoes and motors in the skirt.

The SAM interface

One of the SAM buttons was also used as a doorbell that prompted a camera to take pictures of visitors and post the images to the homeowner's Twitter account.

A Bluetooth low-energy antenna and a lithium polymer battery are integrated into each block, removing the need for wires, meaning the modules can be placed wherever necessary.

The SAM interface

"There are no wires to get tangled in or complexities around fault finding, and it really does free up inputs and outputs to be physically separated from one another and create genuine IoT experiences," Map designer Paul Wolfson told Dezeen.

Each block is wrapped in an elastomer band that hides the electronic components, but can be removed if the user wishes to tweak them.

The kit aims to help designers and students learn about electronics and computer science.

"[The Internet of Things] is becoming essential," said Wolfson. "The boundaries have blurred between the world of physical and digital products, and the potential to connect one thing to another is huge. This doesn't just mean physical objects talking to one another but talking to broader services and experiences, which might only exist digitally."

Map’s elastomer band wrap around the individual SAM "building blocks"

The cardboard packaging for SAM's different sets was also created by Map, which was set up by designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in 2012.

"These objects reflect the deep and central role technology and interface design now play in education, production, and our everyday lives," said Paola Antonelli, MoMA's senior curator of architecture and design, of the devices. "In their own unique ways they allow audiences – artists, designers, and active maker-culture enthusiasts, pros, children, and amateurs – to engage with the processes and final products that are usually the preserve of electronic engineers."

]]>New York 2014: California design brand Sabi has collaborated with London-based MAP Project Office to create a collection of wall storage products for the bathroom.

MAP's Sabi Space collection centres on a universal wall fixing, to which most of the elements attach.

Each product comes with everything needed for easy installation, including 1:1 template stickers for positioning, and an option for simple attachment using high-strength, self-adhesive moisture-resistant tape.

Hang Rail

The combination of a simple and non-invasive installation, and contemporary colours and clean lines, has resulted in range that is intended to appeal to young and old users.

Caddy

Products include Hoop: a flexible, silicone-dipped ring that enables access to towels from any angle.

The Magnetic Mirror magnifying hand mirror can be set at any angle, or detached and held in the hand.

Magnetic Mirror

Hang Rail is a bead-blasted aluminium rail with adjustable hooks for hanging objects, available in 45-centimetre and 60-centimetre options.

A towel rail, floating shelves, pegs, a wall mirror, a peg and hanger set, a grip rail and a floating toilet paper dispenser complete the set.

Hanger

"We wanted to create a line of beautiful, easily customisable products that would give people a sense of empowerment when it came to designing or renovating their space," said Jon Marshall of MAP.

Named after a Japanese cultural aesthetic that celebrates imperfection, Sabi creates products that aim to "motivate people to embrace their vulnerabilities and feel happy about doing daily tasks that may have grown challenging or mundane."

Sabi Space was designed by MAP Project Office, a London-based creative consultancy founded by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Products will be launched for the public in September.

]]>http://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/30/sabi-previews-bathroom-accessories-range-by-map-project-office/feed/0Kano computer kit by MAPhttp://www.dezeen.com/2013/11/19/kano-computer-kit-by-map/
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/11/19/kano-computer-kit-by-map/#commentsTue, 19 Nov 2013 19:30:39 +0000http://admin.dezeen.com/?p=388074Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby's creative consultancy MAP has designed a build-your-own computer kit (+ slideshow). London studio MAP worked with computer company Kano to create parts for the machine, designed as kit for learning about how computers work. The kit runs on the Raspberry Pi platform - a customisable single-board computer that allows the user to add components. […]

London studio MAP worked with computer company Kano to create parts for the machine, designed as kit for learning about how computers work.

The kit runs on the Raspberry Pi platform - a customisable single-board computer that allows the user to add components.

MAP created a transparent case for the Raspberry Pi board, comprising two C-shaped transparent shells that clip together to secure the cable connections but leave the top open for the user to experiment with adding additional parts.

"We knew that it was important to protect the Raspberry Pi board and we were frustrated to see that most of the cases on the market actually seal the board in a box," said MAP director Jon Marshall. "Our two-part bumper case provides protection while encouraging Kano users to experiment and make."

A clear cover can be added over the board to protect the components or a speaker and small amplifier powered directly from the Raspberry Pi can be clipped on the top.

The kit comes as a case full of colourful parts with an instruction manual containing assembly details.

It includes a wireless keyboard, the Raspberry Pi with its customisable case, a speaker module, packaging and accessories. These elements can be used with a generic computer screen or monitor.

The parts are packaged in a bright orange box, designed to fit through a standard letterbox for easier delivery and be used to store the kit when not in use. The inner box is printed to show how the coloured wires connect to the Raspberry Pi board.

"We wanted to create the first computer that anyone can make – simple, fun, and powerful," said Kano co-founder and head of product Alex Klein.

Creative consultancy MAP and computer company Kano have together created a hands-on computer kit that you can make yourself. Using the well-known Raspberry Pi as its platform, users can learn and have fun while making it.

The prototype is now complete and a Kickstarter campaign will launch on 19 November. The kit costs $99 or £69. You can buy one for yourself or sponsor kits for a student, school, or institution through Kano's not-for-profit programme, Kano Academy.

MAP worked with Kano on designing the kit and all of the components as a complete experience. MAP's design team set out to make the Kano kit as friendly and as fun to use as Lego. The kit includes a new wireless keyboard, Raspberry Pi and a new type of customisable case, a unique speaker module, packaging and accessories.

MAP designed the Kano kit to guide users quickly and intuitively through the set-up. The packaging was designed to be kept and used as storage for the kit and its components, rather than being thrown away. A colourful outer sleeve keeps the kit protected, with the overall size optimised to fit through most letterboxes (reducing costs and making delivery easy). The inner box has a printed diagram of the cable connections to ensure a fast and easy-to-follow set-up. The components are clearly laid out to ease understanding. Reminiscent of a traditional board game, the robust inner tray keeps the components organised when you have finished playing and pack them away.

MAP designed a protective plastic case for the Raspberry Pi computer board that consists of two C-shaped bumpers in clear plastic. These snap around the board making it easy to handle and stabilising the cable connections while leaving both the top and bottom open for experimentation. There are additional clip-in covers that can be added when you want to enclose the Pi, or connect more components. For a first "making" project based on the basic kit, MAP have developed a special cover with a speaker and small amplifier that is powered directly from the Raspberry Pi.

]]>http://www.dezeen.com/2013/11/19/kano-computer-kit-by-map/feed/4Google Web Lab by Universal Design Studio and MAPhttp://www.dezeen.com/2012/09/19/google-web-lab-by-universal-design-studio-and-map/
http://www.dezeen.com/2012/09/19/google-web-lab-by-universal-design-studio-and-map/#commentsWed, 19 Sep 2012 16:15:26 +0000http://admin.dezeen.com/?p=247456London Design Festival: the first project by MAP, the new studio of designers BarberOsgerby, is the exhibition design of a digital laboratory at London's Science Museum, where visitors can interact with internet-users around the world using musical instruments and robots (+ slideshow). Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have founded MAP as an industrial design consultancy that will operate alongside their architecture interior […]

]]>London Design Festival: the first project by MAP, the new studio of designers BarberOsgerby, is the exhibition design of a digital laboratory at London's Science Museum, where visitors can interact with internet-users around the world using musical instruments and robots (+ slideshow).

Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have founded MAP as an industrial design consultancy that will operate alongside their architecture interior design company Universal Design Studio and their design studio BarberOsgerby.

The Google Web Lab was created by Google Creative Lab, in partnership with MAP, Universal Design Studio, interactive design and engineering group Tellart, digital agency B-Reel and graphic designers Bibliothéque, and comprises a series of physical devices that can either be operated in person at the museum, or online at chromeweblab.com.

"Web Lab offers the opportunity for visitors to be more than just spectators," Universal Design Studio director Jason Holley told Dezeen. "Online and in-museum visitors are equally able to enjoy a dialogue with the museum; engaging, interacting and affecting the exhibition content."

One device is an electronically-controlled orchestra (above), where different instruments are controlled by different users, while another is a data tracer that maps the sources of images and information and shows where they've travelled to (below).

The Sketchbots (below) are robots that photograph the faces of users and draws them on a plate of sand.

Above: photograph is by Andrew Brennan

Other devices include a virtual teleporter (below), which functions as a set of windows to locations around the world, and a computer that charts the locations of everyone who has taken part in the experiments.

"Museums worldwide struggle with trying to understand how the digital can expand their reach to engage a wider and more diverse audience," said Holley. "Web Lab offers the possibility of making the online experience integral, not secondary. It offers new opportunities for richer experiences online and physical spaces that expand beyond the walls of the museum"

Above: photograph is by Bibliothéque

Cameras are positioned around the exhibition, so users can continue to operate the devices when the museum is closed.

Universal Design Studio and MAP collaborate with Google on exhibition that merges physical and virtual

Universal Design Studio and sister company MAP are responsible for the 3D design and architecture of a dramatic new Google exhibition. Web Lab brings the extraordinary workings of the Internet to life through a series of interactive, web-connected physical experiments, aiming to inspire the world about the Web’s possibilities and to explain its complex technological processes. Exhibition visitors can make music with people across the world and trace the physical route taken by a simple web search. The exhibition at London’s Science Museum is open to the world online at chromeweblab.com, with online visitors experiencing the exhibition day and night through 24-hour web cams installed at the museum.

Above: photograph is by Andrew Meredith

Partnering with interactive design and engineering group Tellart, Universal Design Studio and MAP together designed the exhibition environment, creating innovative architectural and design archetypes for this new kind of physical/ digital collaboration. The design approach focuses equally on the experience of the space physically and the experience of it online via web cams. Architecture and design tools help to deconstruct technology and tell the story of how digital and physical realms are connected. New archetypes were created to separate users from their familiarity with objects, reinforcing the experimental nature of the exhibition, and to ensure each experiment could be appreciated both in the museum and online.

Universal Design Studio and MAP have created an immersive lab setting in the basement of the Science Museum, a scheme that foregrounds the idea of Web Lab as an interactive place of testing and continuous experimentation.

An industrial, functional aesthetic forms the backdrop to the series of playful experiments. At the exhibition’s entrance, a centrally positioned glass and wire mesh workshop provides a highly visible ‘curated lab’ space for events, simple repairs and displays. A key feature conceptually, it represents the ‘living lab’ nature of the exhibition, where visitors are not spectators but are engaged in and part of a working space.

Above: photograph is by Andrew Meredith

Universal Design Studio and MAP were challenged to design a space that would be experienced both physically and online through ‘the eyes of the web’. In order for online visitors to easily interpret the space, architectural planes are clearly and directly articulated. The ground plane maps out the territory as a graphic surface. Bibliothèque created graphics for the rubber floor which, as well as providing an additional narrative layer to the exhibition, creates zoning and flow of movement, and adds a supportive description of each experiment’s function.

The ceiling plane consists of a bright yellow steel grid delivering the network of cables that service the experiments. Rather than be concealed, the grid articulates the physicality of the web, illustrating its data flow - the ‘life source’ of the experiments. Throughout the exhibition, cabling to experiments is intentionally exposed, emphasising this physicality.

A secondary skin of semi-transparent wire mesh lines the walls of the museum gallery, blurring the distinction between the existing building and the new installation. The space is acoustically controlled creating an optimal environment for the Universal Orchestra experiment, which provides the soundtrack to the exhibition experience.

Above: photograph is by Andrew Meredith

Partnering with Google Creative Lab, interactive design and engineering group Tellart, digital agency B-Reel, and graphic designers Bibliothéque, Universal Design Studio and MAP together designed the exhibition environment, creating innovative architectural and design archetypes for this new kind of physical/ digital collaboration. The design approach focuses equally on the experience of the space physically and the experience of it online via web cams. Architecture and design tools help to deconstruct technology and tell the story of how digital and physical realms are connected. New archetypes were created to separate users from their familiarity with objects, reinforcing the experimental nature of the exhibition, and to ensure each experiment could be appreciated both in the museum and online.

Working with Tellart (who prototyped the experiments) and Universal Design Studio, MAP oversaw the industrial design, look and feel of the exhibition’s five Chrome Experiments:

Universal Orchestra: An Internet-powered eight-piece robotic orchestra creating harmonious musicSketchbots: Custom-built robots able to take photographs and then sketch them in sandData Tracer: A map that traces where the world’s online information is physically storedTeleporter: A series of web-enabled periscopes through which you can instantly access the world (including a 24 hour US bakery)Lab Tag Explorer: A real-time visualisation of all Web Lab visitors from around the world that groups and categorises participants in incredible ways